Chapter 6 Verse 35
Dhyān Yog
श्री भगवानुवाच असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलं। अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते।।6.35।।
śhrī bhagavān uvācha asanśhayaṁ mahā-bāho mano durnigrahaṁ chalam abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa cha gṛihyate
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | Lord Krishna said |
| asanśhayam | undoubtedly |
| mahā-bāho | mighty-armed one |
| manaḥ | the mind |
| durnigraham | difficult to restrain |
| chalam | restless |
| abhyāsena | by practice |
| tu | but |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| vairāgyeṇa | by detachment |
| cha | and |
| gṛihyate | can be controlled |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said, "Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed Arjuna, the mind is difficult to control and restless; but with practice and dispassion, it can be restrained."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The mind is naturally restless and hard to control. It jumps from one thought to another and pulls us toward desires and fears.
Krishna teaches that this wild mind can be trained. Two simple methods help: steady practice (abhyāsa) and healthy detachment (vairāgya). Practice builds the muscle of attention; detachment reduces the pull of cravings and outcomes.
Together they bring calm and freedom. With regular effort and less clinging to results, the mind becomes clearer, allowing wiser action and inner peace in everyday life.
Life Application
- Start a short daily practice: 5–10 minutes of focused breathing or simple meditation, done at the same time each day.
- Train attention with one focused task (no phone) for a set time; gradually increase the length of focus.
- Practice detachment by noticing cravings and outcomes, then letting them pass—remind yourself that urges are temporary.
Reflection Question
What one small, regular practice can you begin today to gently steady your mind?